This is a comment for all who use hydrocodone for pain?

It looks like they are going to raise this drug from a C-III to a C-II making it more difficult for people to obtain it. You need a hard copy script for C-II. No refills can be given on a C-II. See below:FDA Panel Votes for Tighter Controls on Vicodin SILVER SPRING, Md. -- An FDA advisory committee has voted 19 to 10 in favor of moving hydrocodone combination products such as Vicodin, Lortab, and Norco into the more restrictive schedule II category of controlled substances.

You are welcome! It doesnt affect me, all my pain scripts are already C-II's but I know that this will affect a great many people. A lot of docs choose this medication because it IS effective and has less restrictions making it easier for their patients to obtain it. Now one will have to see the doctor for a hard copy prescription for every fill-no more called in refills or refills on the bottle. This means more expense for insurance companies and out of pocket costs for patients (copays to see the Dr every time they need a fill i.e.)

I really dont see how it will change anything in a positive way. Drs already know that it is a drug to use with caution, that it can be addictive. This wont change the availability on the street (which is one of the reasons behind the change) it will just make it harder and more costly for the legit pain patient! The argument for doing this is to reduce availability on the streets and supposidly, there are fears that doctors may feel since this is a less restrictive drug that it is safer to use than oxycodone or morphine. I really dont think Drs are that stupid. If they are, I hope that none that are that stupid take care of me or mine!!

Hi guys. I don't understand how getting a paper script changes anything. If it is prescribed for you, what is the issue? One has to go to the pharmacy anyway to pick up the med. what am I missing? Karen

By having to get a hard script, it means that the doctor must see you, more money out of pocket, he/she will only be allowed to write a small maybe 30 day at most script then you will have to return to the doctor, pay for a visit and get a new script. No more calling the doctor and then them knowing you well enough so that they can just call the script in. It more of an inconvenience especially for those who have poor or no insurance.

Oh. Well in this neck of the woods all narcotics have always been paper script. The standards here have always been that a doctor must see you to get the prescription. So one could not call and get anything. Only refills were ok by fax, now electronic, except for opiates and various controlled substances. When one thinks about it, wouldn't one want people checked out so they don't over prescribe and then the patient gets hooked and has withdrawal later?

This is more government regulation in areas where they need to leave the honest docs alone. I knew this kind of thing was coming quickly, Thanks for the info. I am usually prescribed C-II so I know what i am in for.

Oh four letter word... no, make that four letter wordS!! I could just scream about this situation. I've been in terrible pain for weeks now, and we are now learning that a big arse fight is coming our way. Who will fight this fight?Most of us have such debilitating pain that just the thought of having to fight for our meds is depressing! I think we should assemble and march on Washington, if you are in a wheelchair then you can 'roll' on Washington! If you are on crutches I will personally give you a piggy-back ride down Pennsylvania Avenue! Our rights are being impinged upon, this is Goddamned ridiculous! Thank you DzooBaby for the info, but what will we DO with the info?Your friend,Lara

We've had to do this for quite a while in NY state now, they haven't allowed refills on hydrocodone products in years here, now, so it won't be much of a change for us. However, they're also doing the same thing with all tramadol products, requiring a new RX each month and no refills allowed anymore... for freaking TRAMADOL! I swear... a lot lol.

You're welcome ;) I really do swear like a sailor, so it can be rather difficult for me to hold my tongue on here, particularly when talking about drug laws and chronic pain. If it weren't for the rules, every other word out of my mouth would be the f-bomb when talking about those subjects here LOL!